The word ‘doula’ comes from an ancient greek word meaning servant woman. in the 20th century, it came to describe a non medical birth, pregnancy or post natal worker who fulfils a traditional role of giving practical, physical and emotional support during pregnancy, birth and postpartum. doulas help with antenatal preparation, birth planning, physical and emotional support during birth, and help postnatally with things like breastfeeding advice, help with baby, preparing nourishing meals and looking after the parent who has given birth.